Towards the Conceptualisation of Maritime Delimitation: Legal and Technical Aspects of a Political Process

This monograph on maritime delimiation is based on a thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Durham. The work is one of legal, political and technical analysis of an aspect of the law of the sea of contemporary interest internationally.

'Dr. Antunes’ study of the concepts of maritime delimitation is comprehensive and up-to-date. It is published at a propitious time, following as it does the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1994 and the recent series of consistent decisions by international courts and tribunals starting with the Jan Mayen case. The work has been written by an author who, most unusually, combines by training and experience not only the relevant legal and political skills but also technical expertise as a serving Officer in the Portuguese Navy well-versed in matters related to navigation, hydrography and cartography. From the Foreword by David H. Anderson, Judge, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

He has produced a study of the fundamental concepts which could stand alongside not only the monographs of international lawyers, but also the complementary publications of geographers, hydrographers and serving Naval Officers on different aspects of maritime boundaries. He has been able to bring new insights to the topic and to benefit also from the use of the latest computer-based technology. I am confident that the work will make a significant contribution to the literature on the important topic of maritime delimitation.'From the Foreword by David H. Anderson, Judge, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.